Church and Stage: The Theatre as Target of Religious Condemnation in Nineteenth Century America

by Claudia Durst Johnson

Overview

Throughout nineteenth century America, religious officials often condemned the theatre as an inversion of the house of God, similar to the church in architectural structure and organization but wholly different in purpose and values. This book explores the many ways in which religious institutions supported by capitalism profoundly affected the early development of American theatre. The author analyzes the church's critical view toward common theatre practices, including the use of female and child performers, and the lower class alliance with the stage. Three appendices provide period correspondence, including an excerpt from Mark Twain's February 1871 "Memoranda," in which Twain criticizes an Episcopalian reverend for denying church burial to a popular stage comedian.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786430802
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	11/21/2007
Pages:	221
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Claudia Durst Johnson lives in Berkeley, California. She was a professor of English and department head at the University of Alabama.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction—Church and Stage: The Two Temples     

1. The English and Early American Beginnings     
2. The Power and Values of the Church     
3. Plays, Playgoers, and Actors     
4. The Impact of Clerical Attacks on Actors and the Profession     
5. The Church and the Actress     
6. Trading Religious Approval for Work     
7. Wearing the Pants, Making the Choices, Writing the Plays     
8. Children in Industry: Children on Stage     
9. Prostitutes and the Bar     
10. Violence in the Audience, Irreverence on the Stage     
11. The Winding Down of an Old War     

Appendix 1: Cornelius Logan’s Defense of the Stage     
Appendix 2: Cincinnati Daily Enquirer on the Third Tier     
Appendix 3: Mark Twain on the Reverend Sabine     
Chapter Notes     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

first-rate research...a useful resource...highly recommended”—Choice.

From the Publisher

first-rate research...a useful resource...highly recommended

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